Perth Scorchers fast bowler Joel Paris is set for a medical scan after suffering a groin injury during the team's dramatic and controversial Big Bash League final defeat. The setback adds a further sting to the Scorchers' loss to the Brisbane Heat at a packed Perth Stadium on Wednesday night.
Injury Overshadows Final Over Drama
The left-arm quick, who had bowled impressively in the powerplay, was forced from the field during the Heat's innings. His absence was keenly felt in a tense finale where the Scorchers fell just seven runs short of the Heat's total of 166 for 8. The match concluded amidst significant controversy when a potential no-ball for height on the final delivery was not called by the on-field umpires, a decision that left Scorchers players and fans in disbelief.
Scorchers captain Aaron Hardie confirmed the extent of Paris's issue post-match. "He's going to get a scan tomorrow," Hardie stated, highlighting the concern within the camp. "He said he felt it a little bit in the powerplay. It's such a shame because he was bowling so well." Paris had taken the crucial wicket of Heat opener Josh Brown and finished with figures of 1 for 24 from his 2.5 overs before the injury struck.
Scorchers Rues Missed Opportunities and Controversial Call
The loss denied the Perth Scorchers a record-breaking fourth consecutive BBL title. While the injury to Paris was a factor, the team also reflected on other key moments. A dropped catch by Stephen Eskinazi to reprieve Heat hero Nathan McSweeney (who top-scored with 33) proved costly in the middle overs.
However, the defining controversy erupted on the last ball of the match. Needing an impossible 18 runs to win, tailender Lance Morris was struck on the helmet grille by a full toss from Heat bowler Spencer Johnson. The on-field umpires deemed the delivery legal, a call that was upheld by the TV umpire despite replays suggesting it may have been above waist height. Under BBL playing conditions, such a delivery should be called a no-ball.
"It's pretty frustrating," a disappointed Hardie said of the non-call. "From where I was, it looked like a pretty clear no-ball... but that's the way the game goes sometimes. It's not the reason we lost the game, but it certainly would have been nice to have that extra ball."
Recovery and Reflection for the Western Warriors
The immediate focus for Joel Paris is his recovery. The scan results will determine the severity of the groin strain and his availability for the upcoming domestic season with the Western Warriors. The injury is an untimely blow for the 31-year-old, who has battled fitness issues throughout his career but has been a vital part of the Scorchers' pace attack in recent seasons.
For the Scorchers as a whole, the aftermath is one of reflection on a season where they finished as minor premiers but fell at the final hurdle. The combination of a key injury at a critical moment, missed chances in the field, and a contentious umpiring decision culminated in a bitter end to their championship campaign. The team now looks to regroup, with Paris's fitness being one of the first pressing concerns to address in the off-season.
